Turner calls for investigation of DCS

NASHVILLE (AP) — House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner is calling for a special meeting to investigate the Department of Children's Services' refusal to release records related to the abuse and death of children under its care.

Turner sent the request for the joint government operations committee to Gov. Bill Haslam, Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and House Speaker Beth Harwell, all Republicans.

The Tennessean newspaper and a group of Tennessee news organizations, including The Associated Press, have asked a judge to open records from the department.

Deputy Attorney General Janet Kleinfelter said in court earlier this week that state law doesn't require the records to be open. She said the law requires the department to provide limited information about the deaths.

A judge is reviewing the matter.

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